Empowering state and community leaders to address critical housing issues
Print
EmailMSU Extension educators help stakeholders work collaboratively on complex issues, leading to greater community stability, effective use of limited resources, and future opportunity.
Michigan’s communities are confronting insufficient and unaffordable housing stock at an increasing rate. Demographic changes and evolving housing needs are exacerbating social-economic issues across the population. Communities that have seen in-migration escalate due to remote work during the “COVID-19 induced” economic crisis are now experiencing housing shortages and increasing housing prices. There are additionally important issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in housing due to the legacy of discriminatory policies like redlining and programs that cause large inequalities in housing affordability and access today.
A lack of affordable, attainable and workforce housing limits communities of all sizes from reaching their full potential. In order to address this issue across the state, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) commenced its first ever statewide housing plan in 2022 to address the complex, intersecting challenges communities face when tackling this important topic.
One main component of MSHDA’s approach has been engaging regional groups and local organizations to identify goals and implement strategies most applicable to their community-identified needs. Numerous Michigan State University Extension educators were called upon by the state agency to serve as statewide and regional co-facilitators in support of these regional conversations that convened representatives from MSHDA, community leaders and local housing agencies in 2023.
As a direct result of these impactful convenings across Michigan, 18 regional housing agencies received $175,000 each to further their local housing goals. The facilitation and consensus-building services offered by MSU Extension educators as neutral parties were integral in the success of the process that maximized the investment of time, effort and resources of the extensive list of stakeholders involved. Because of this capacity added by MSU Extension professionals, the numerous elected and appointed officials, community organizations, and residents alike have become better situated to meet the current and future housing needs with more equitable, inclusive and responsive strategies.
Public Value
Michigan State University Extension professionals add capacity to state government agencies and community organizations through research-based facilitation and consensus-building strategies that help stakeholders work collaboratively on complex issues, leading to greater community stability, effective use of limited resources, and future opportunity.
